Investigating Animal Injuries
Wendy Blount, DVM – http://www.wendyblount.com
(a) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally or knowingly:
(1) tortures an animal;(2) fails unreasonably to provide necessary
food, care, or shelter for an animal in the person's custody;
(3) abandons unreasonably an animal in the person's custody;
(4) transports or confines an animal in a cruel manner;
Texas Penal Code - Cruelty to Animals
(a) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally or knowingly:
(5) kills, seriously injures, or administers poison to an animal, other than cattle, horses, sheep, swine, or goats, belonging to another without legal authority or the owner's effective consent;
(6) causes one animal to fight with another;(7) uses a live animal as a lure in dog race
training or in dog coursing on a racetrack;(8) trips a horse;
Texas Penal Code - Cruelty to Animals
(a) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally or knowingly:
(9) injures an animal, other than cattle, horses, sheep, swine, or goats, belonging to another without legal authority or the owner's effective consent; or
(10) seriously overworks an animal.(b) It is a defense to prosecution under this
section that the actor was engaged in bona fide experimentation for scientific research.
Texas Penal Code - Cruelty to Animals
SpectatorClass C MisdemeanorMaximum fine of $5000Exceptions:
Caused the dog to fight to protect livestock, other property, or a person
from another dog and for no other purpose.
Texas Penal Code - Cruelty to Animals
Causing Animals to FightPenalty
State Jail Felony Maximum fine of $10,000, imprisonment for 2 years-180 days
Exceptions: Caused the dog to fight to protect livestock, other
property, or a person From another dog and for no other purpose.
Texas Penal Code - Cruelty to Animals
Causing Animals to Fight on PremisesPenalty:
State Jail Felony Maximum fine of $10,000 imprisonment for 2 years-180 days
Exceptions: Caused the dog to fight to protect livestock, other
property, or a person From another dog and for no other purpose.
Texas Penal Code - Cruelty to Animals
Place/Pit for Animal FightingPenalty:
State Jail Felony Maximum fine of $10,000, imprisonment for 2 years-
180 daysNo exceptions
Texas Penal Code - Cruelty to Animals
Examination of the Live Abuse Victim
• Take Care – animals who have suffered neglect or hoarding are often unsocialized
• Ask a veterinarian for chemical restraint if needed• Make sure animal is well enough to withstand the stress
of exam (esp. cats)
Examination of the Live Abuse Victim
• Assess and document dehydration prior to providing water or fluids– photograph wounds prior to treatment
• Collect samples prior to intervention of any kind– Feces, urine, blood, vomitus, etc.– If hair is shaved from a wound, preserve it
• Gunshot residue, weapon fragments, fibers
Pharmacy Fold
Exam Handouts Live Victim
• Physical Evaluation– Exam and SOAP – page 2+
• Subjective and Objective Problems• Assessment (Possible Causes of each problem)• Plan for diagnosis and treatment
• Glasgow Pain Evaluation• External Wound Form – Live Cat• External Wound Form – Live Dog
Exam Handouts Live Victim
• Body Scoring – Estimates the Nutritional
Status of the animal– Small animal
• Patronek – Tufts Scale (1 ideal to 5 emaciated) - ASPCA• Royal Canin BCS - Dog (1 thin to 5 obese)• Purina – Dog / Cat – (1 thin to 9 obese)• Royal Canine BMI - Cat
– Horse – Henneke BCS – (1 thin to 9 obese)• Quarter Horse Mares
Exam Handouts Live Victim
• Have Fire Dept come and analyze air samples and assign a code
• Air Quality Scoring
Exam Handouts Live Victim
• Attach photos to an excellent report
Exam Handouts Live Victim
• Track Indicators of progress– Weight form– Puppy growth– Other indicators
• Behavioral Evaluation• Certification of the Medical Record
– Sample Letter 1 – Sample Letter 2
Examination of the Abuse Victim – Live or Necropsy• Take full body x-rays on all cases• Recruit a photographer• Add rulers in the photo when documenting injuries• Identify (photo), remove and preserve any evidence
that might be traced back to the perpetrator– Projectiles – arrows, bullets, etc.– Bindings – rope, duct tape, etc.– Hair, blood, glass, clothing fibers, etc.– Maggot analysis can provide a timeline for duration of
wounds
Examination of the Abuse Victim – Live or Necropsy
• Issue a series of preliminary reports until you are sure results are final
• Finalize the report as soon as is possible– Can convince a judge to sign a confiscation order for
removal of additional victims– Can result in generation of warrant for arrest for suspect
• Using medical and industry specific terms in the report to make findings very specific is good
• But a final interpretation “in plain English” is a good idea, as this may be better understood in a court of law
Exam Handouts Live or Necropsy
• Tufts Scales – Body, Weather Risk, Environment• Assigning proper age
– CSU - Dental anatomy of cats– CSU - Dental anatomy of dogs– DiGangi - Aging kittens by teeth– HSUS – Aging by Teeth – hints for aging adults
• Permanent incisors – old enough for a rabies vaccine• Permanent canines – dog old enough for heartworm test
Exam Handouts Live or Necropsy
• Coat and Nail Check List – Long Hair• Coat and Nail Check List – Short Hair• Coat and Nail Condition Form – Cat• Coat and Nail Condition Form – Dog
Exam HandoutsNecropsy
• Necropsy History Form• Necropsy Exam Form• External Wounds Form – Necropsy Cat• External Wounds Form – Necropsy Dog• Histology Submission Check List
Multiple Victim Cases
• May not have the resources to thoroughly examine every victim
• Every victim does get a cursory exam• Examine thoroughly the animals in the worst
condition, to document the abuse• Examine thoroughly also animals in the best
condition, to show level of care that could have been provided to all
Euthanasia• Humane treatment of the victim may
necessitate euthanasia prior to any animal cruelty hearing
• Complete and thorough necropsy should be performed by a veterinarian– By a board certified veterinary pathologist is even
better– Or an expert in animal forensics– If no local expert, ship to a diagnostic lab, and
designate on the request that it is a cruelty case• Cause of death should be listed as euthanasia
Death After Confiscation• It is not unusual for victims to die after
confiscation– Stress of confiscation can compound ongoing
disease• Be absolutely sure that excellent care during
confiscation is carefully documented– When animal control provides questionable care,
or can not prove excellent care, the case is weakened
– Judge or jury must be sure the animal was better off for being confiscated
Refeeding Syndrome
epidemics of death when starving people gain access to food, engorge themselves, become severely ill, and die
The body in starvation mode when caloric intake is severely reduced Reduced metabolic rate prevents organ failure Reduced cardiac output (lethargic) Anemia (pale, weak, heart murmur) GI villous atrophy (diarrhea) GI hypomotility (ileus) – paralysis of the gut
Refeeding Syndrome
Prior to introducing food, serum electrolytes and glucose are often normal
Most of the phosphorus, potassium and magnesium in the body are inside the cells There can be massive body deficit of these minerals with
normal blood levelsRefeeding causes insulin release
hypersensitivity to insulin upon feeding (receptor up regulation)
Insulin conducts P, K and Mg back into the cells All three can fall dangerously low within 24-72 hours of
feeding Weakness, respiratory failure, coma and death
Refeeding Syndrome
Weak heart muscle contraction (reduced cardiac output) can result in fluid overload and congestive heart failure Conservative intravenous fluid replacement Maintenance rates only, even if dehydrated Monitor respiratory rate carefully
Low phosphorus – anemia (weak, pale) and red urine
Low potassium – kidney failureLow calcium – twitching and seizuresBlood sugar first low, then high
Refeeding Syndrome
Leukogram (CBC – Complete Blood Count)
Increased neutrophils and monocytes Inflammatory clean-up of tissue destruction for nutrition
Histologic (biopsy) LesionsSmall intestinal crypt lesions – ectasiaEMH (extramedullary hematopoiesis) in lung and
liver Other tissues help failing bone marrow make blood cells
Serous atrophy of fat
Refeeding Syndrome
Refeeding Syndrome
TreatmentIV fluids – rehydrate before feeding
No dextrose despite hypoglycemia Add potassium phosphates (Kphos) at 40 mEq/L
of K, unless oliguric Maintenance rate only even if dehydrated Add free water by offering water PO and
controlling vomiting Do not treat acidosis with bicarbonate Fluids with Mg preferred – Normosol, Plasmalyte
Refeeding Syndrome
TreatmentFeeding – high fat, low carb diet (EVO, Core for cats,
a/d for dogs) Start with 25% of RER per day
RER = 70 x (wt in kg)0.75
Liquid diet dripped into a nasal tube as CRI in severe cases Monitor PCV/TS, glucose, P, K, (Mg), BUN at least daily Increase caloric intake gradually only if blood levels are in
safe range Stop feeding for 24 hours if P, K, Mg dangerously low Usually stable enough to be released form hospital at 75%
RER divided into 3 meals Expect diarrhea
Behavioral Assessment• If animal shows no aggression during handling by
multiple people, this may refute allegations that abuse was in response to unprovoked aggressive behavior
• Evidence that animal can be easily groomed refutes claims that animals with severe matting or ingrown toenails were not due to owner’s inability to restrain for grooming
• Standardized temperament testing can be used– SAFER– Assess-A-Pet– Temperament Testing – http://www.atts.org
Behavioral Assessment• There is a strong tendency to assume that cowering
is associated with history of abuse– Some animals are just timid
• Animal’s friendly reception upon being reunited with the owner does not rule out abuse
• Fear of or aggression toward a particular person does not indicate history of traumatic encounter with that person
Hit By Car
• Common cause of trauma to dogs and cats• Also used to explain other types of injuries• Look for road debris on the coat• Very unlikely but not impossible if animal
found inside a building• Look for injuries atypical of hit-by-car
– Puncture wounds– Bullet entries
Fall From a Height
• Pets almost never fall down stairs unless they are blind
• High Rise Syndrome - pet leaps from a balcony or roof– Trauma to the chest, often with collapsed lungs– Fractured Mandible (lower jaw) and any other
fractures
Burns
• Burn due to abuse much more rare than burn due to house fire
• Reports of other kinds of fires burning animals are suspect – animals run away from them– Stove or other appliance catching on fire– Fireplace or Barbecue
• Burn due to abuse can attempt to cover previous abuse– Beatings, strangling, or gunshot– Be careful no to focus only on the burns during exam
Burns
• Triad of juvenile symptoms persisting past the age of 5 years old that predict adult crime– Cruelty to animals– Firesetting– Enuresis (bed wetting)
• 45% of prisoners convicted of violent crimes displayed the juvenile triad
• 13% of prisoners convicted of nonviolent crimes displayed the juvenile triad
• Burning an animal may be only one aspect of a more widespread crime spree
Burns
• Estimate percentage body area of burns– Can measure a single burn, and then divide its area by the
total body surface area– Or use the “Rule of Nines”
• Head is 9% of body surface area• Each arm is 9% of body surface area• Torso front and back are each 18% of body surface area• Each leg is 18% BSA (9% front and 9% back)• Genitals are the remaining 1%
– Babies have an adjusted formula• Head is 18% and each leg 13.5%• Use this for puppies, kittens and small breeds with large heads
– Most burn victims have burns at least 25% of BSA
Burns
• Body Surface Area Chart
Wt (kg) BSA (m2) Wt (kg) BSA (m2) Wt (kg) BSA (m2)
1 0.10 11 0.49 21 0.76
2 0.15 12 0.52 22 0.78
3 0.20 13 0.55 23 0.80
4 0.25 14 0.58 24 0.83
5 0.29 15 0.60 25 0.85
6 0.33 16 0.63 26 0.87
7 0.36 17 0.66 27 0.90
8 0.40 18 0.68 28 0.92
9 0.43 19 0.71 29 0.94
10 0.46 20 0.73 30 0.96
Burns
• Body Surface Area Chart
Wt (kg) BSA (m2) Wt (kg) BSA (m2) Wt (kg) BSA (m2)
31 0.98 41 1.19 51 1.37
32 1.00 42 1.20 52 1.39
33 1.02 43 1.22 53 1.41
34 1.05 44 1.24 54 1.43
35 1.07 45 1.26 55 1.44
36 1.09 46 1.28 56 1.46
37 1.11 47 1.30 57 1.48
38 1.13 48 1.32 58 1.49
39 1.15 49 1.34 59 1.51
40 1.17 50 1.35 60 1.53
Burns
• Swab burns for accelerants– Not always an associated odor– Submit to forensic chemist for gas chromatography– Porous materials from the scene may have absorbed
accelerant – cloth, paper, etc.– Place in metal cans and seal to prevent evaporation
• Burns to the perineum, face, ears and eyes are more painful and may cause loss of function
• Amputation of more than one leg due to severe burns causes severe mobility problems
• Eschar – coagulated surface tissue
Burns
• Thick haircoats can hide burn wounds from sight• May not become apparent for several days, when skin
begins to slough• Color of smoke reported by witnesses can give clues as
to accelerants used• Color of flames reported by witnesses can give clues as
to heat of fire generated
Burns
• Most burning victims have smoke inhalation– The leading cause of death in burn victims
• Signs of smoke inhalation– Coughing, gagging, difficulty breathing, open mouth
breathing– Weakness or incoordination– Rubbing at the eyes– Bleeding from the nose– Mucopurulent (thick, green) nasal dicharge– Spasm and edema of the voicebox (cats)
Burns
• Determining whether burning happened before or after death– Burning alive often carries stiffer sentence– Suspects may claim they burned the body after finding dead– Indicate exposure to fire prior to death
• Carbon monoxide in blood, liver or spleen• Cyanide in blood• Smoke, soot or burned debris in airways• Foam in the airway• Telltale lesions on lung biopsies
Burns
• Chemical burns– Drain cleaner = lye = sodium hydroxide
• Also used to make crystal meth– Bleach sometimes also added– Mixed with a thickener agent so it sticks to fur and skin
• Flour, cornstarch or pancake mix
• Analysis for skin and fur samples from burns can identify the chemical
Burns• Microwave burns
– Have a unique burn pattern that spares the SC fat• “relative layered tissue sparing”
– Metal collar buckles cause burns due to arcing– At one time, microwave instruments designed specifically for
rodent euthanasia were considered acceptable for euthanasia by the AVMA• Report made it clear that commercial microwaves for home uses were
not acceptable• Defense might be mounted that microwaving animals is not cruelty
because the AVMA accepts it as euth method• Understand the exact wording to combat this defense
AVMA Panel on Euthanasia Report - 2013
Sharp Force Injuries
Stab Wounds• Track left by the wound is deeper than the skin wound• Powerful blow could leave a bruise at the knife hilt
Incised Wounds• Tracks are shallower than the width
Chop Wounds – axes and rotating blades
Dicing injuries – dragging across rough surface
Puncture wounds – ice pick type tool
Bite wounds
Sharp Force Injuries
Sharp Force Injuries
Sharp Force Injuries
Bite Wounds to Animals
Killing or wounding livestock• Wildlife experts can interpret bite marks – most likely animal• Saliva DNA is sometimes more helpful than impression
smears for dogs who produce tearing injuries• Sample any blood that does not seem appropriate to the
wound – may belong to the attacker• Use a forensic odontologist for bite mark analysis• Check also the environment for evidence left behind:
– Tracks– Scratch and scent marks– Scat– Traces of fur, blood, saliva
Bite Wounds to Animals
Ian Dunbar Bite Scale• Level 1. no skin-contact by teeth. • Level 2. nicks, but no skin-puncture.• Level 3. punctures from a single bite with no puncture deeper
than half the length of the dog’s canine teeth. Prognosis good with compliant owner and training.
• Level 4. punctures from a single bite with at least one puncture deeper than half the length of the dog’s canine teeth. – No bite inhibition – potentially dangerous dog
• Level 5. Multiple-bite incident with at least two Level 4 bites or multiple-attack incident with at least one Level 4 bite in each. Dangerous Dog.
• Level 6. Victim dead. Dangerous Dog.
Projectile Injuries• Investigation can be difficult, as there are circumstances
where shooting animals is legal– Legal killing of meat animals– Hunting wildlife in season– euthanasia
• A common scenario in cases of domestic violence is for the abuser to kill a family pet in front of a spouse or child to demonstrate power and control
• If you cannot prove cruelty to animals, there may be other charges that will stick:– Discharging a firearm within city limits– Child endangerment– Domestic violence
Projectile Injuries• Full body radiographs are essential• Most are initially misdiagnosed as vehicular trauma• Abdominal projectile wounds are more likely to have hidden
life threatening complications – refer to a vet for exploratory surgery
• It’s not unusual to find bullets or shot on an x-ray as an incidental finding – check previous records if they are available
Projectile Injuries• Entry wound – often burned• Exit wound – can be caused by tissue and bone in addition to
the projectile• Contact wound – ring shaped bruising caused by contact of
the gun with the animal when it is fired• Close range wound –
– Singing of fur within 15 cm– Smoke fouling of the fur within 30 cm– “Tattooing” – embedding of gunpowder into the skin within 60 cm
Projectile Injuries
Blood Spatter
90 Degrees
90 Degrees, Non Porous
90 Degrees, Porous
70 degrees
40 degrees
10 degrees
Ligatures
• Outgrown collars embedded in skin are common, and can cause difficulty breathing
• If ligature not still attached, ask who, when and how it was removed
Claims of Care• Tufts Scales can help objectively evaluate:
– Weather exposure– Environmental Health– Physical Care– Body Condition (also Purina)
• Check Veterinary Records– No vet visits in the past year makes regular care less
likely– Presence of parasites and disease testify to lack of
adequate care– Vets may require owner permission to release records
without a court order, except rabies vaccination
Categories of Animal AbuseNeglect
Large Scale Neglect (Hoarding)
Animal Fighting
Intentional Infliction of Injuries
Suspected Frequency in Private Practice
Occasional to common
Criteria for SuspicionPoor body condition but client
refuses work-up/treatmentSeverely matted but client
refuses groomingClient refuses treatment or
euthanasia to relieve serious illness or injury
Categories of Animal AbuseNeglect
Large Scale Neglect (Hoarding)
Animal Fighting
Intentional Infliction of Injuries
Criteria for SuspicionLack of concern for animal’s
welfareDangerous or unsanitary
environmentInadequate ShelterExcessive Number of animals
Categories of Animal AbuseNeglect
Large Scale Neglect (Hoarding)
Animal Fighting
Intentional Infliction of Injuries
Suspected Frequency in Private Practice
Probably a few clients
Criteria for SuspicionLarge number of animalsPoor continuity of careMost visits for trauma or
preventable, contagious and parasitic diseases
Categories of Animal AbuseNeglect
Large Scale Neglect (Hoarding)
Animal Fighting
Intentional Infliction of Injuries
Criteria for SuspicionClient uses several
veterinary officesHeroic efforts requested for
newly acquired pets with poor prognoses
Categories of Animal AbuseNeglect
Large Scale Neglect (Hoarding)
Animal Fighting
Intentional Infliction of Injuries
Suspected Frequency in Private Practice
Depends on AreaNot uncommon in Texas,
especially rural areas
Criteria for SuspicionCharacteristic pattern of bite
wounds on head, neck, legsMuch more prevalent on pit
bulls and other fighting breeds
Categories of Animal AbuseNeglect
Large Scale Neglect (Hoarding)
Animal Fighting
Intentional Infliction of Injuries
Criteria for SuspicionCircumferential abrasions on
the nose – muzzles tied shut for breeding
Owner may self treat injuriesMuch more prevalent on pit
bulls and other fighting breeds
Categories of Animal AbuseNeglect
Large Scale Neglect (Hoarding)
Animal Fighting
Intentional Infliction of Injuries
Suspected Frequency in Private Practice
Uncommon to rare
Criteria for SuspicionInjuries not consistent with
history
Risk AssessmentLow Risk
Medium Risk
High Risk
Clinical HistorySingle episodeInjuries consistent with
historyNon-life threatening injuries
and conditionsConditions probably caused
by lack of client education, or extenuating circumstances
Risk AssessmentLow Risk
Medium Risk
High Risk
Client BehaviorSeems concerned with
animal’s condition and is willing to improve the situation
Delay in seeking medical attention due to financial constraints or other valid reasons
Has followed up on previous recommendations
Risk AssessmentLow Risk
Medium Risk
High Risk
Pet BehaviorBonded to clientPositive response to attentionNormal response to everyday
activities
Client ProfileOngoing relationship, no
previous suspicion of violencestable history of suitable
number of petsOwnership of animal
unquestioned
Risk AssessmentLow Risk
Medium Risk
High Risk
Veterinary ResponseRecord findings to future
incidents are dealt with appropriately
Provide client education on animal care
Refer to animal welfare and social services if indicated
If family violence is suspected, report as mandated
Risk AssessmentLow Risk
Medium Risk
High Risk
Clinical HistoryRepetitive or chronic
conditions or injuriesInjuries probably
inconsistent with historyMore serious but non-life
threatening conditionsConditions probably caused
by ongoing issues that may or may not be resolved
Maltreatment may be inadvertent or deliberate
Risk AssessmentLow Risk
Medium Risk
High Risk
Client BehaviorIndifferent to animal
condition and reluctant to improve the situation
Delay in seeking medical attention in an attempt to hide abuse
Did not follow up on previous recommendations
Risk AssessmentLow Risk
Medium Risk
High Risk
Pet BehaviorMay cower in presence of ownerMay have abnormal response to
every day activities
Client ProfileNew client or previous incident
that was not adequately explained
Seeks out new vet in order to avoid suspicion by regular vet
Discrepancies in history with regard to ownership
Risk AssessmentLow Risk
Medium Risk
High Risk
Veterinary ResponseRecord findings to future
incidents are dealt with appropriately
Provide client education on animal care
Refer to animal welfare and social services if indicated
Report animal abuse as mandated if severe enough
If family violence is suspected, report as mandated
Risk AssessmentLow Risk
Medium Risk
High Risk
Clinical HistoryRepetitive or chronic conditionsUnexplained injuries or death of
previous animals, especially young animals
Client unresponsive to educationInjuries not consistent with
historySerious and life threatening
conditions and injuriesConditions caused by ongoing
issues that will not be resolvedKnown deliberate and aggravated
mistreatment
Risk AssessmentLow Risk
Medium Risk
High Risk
Client BehaviorHostile to recommendations
to improve animal’s conditionRefusal to seek medical
attention in order to hide abuse
Unwilling to follow up on previous recommendations
Risk AssessmentLow Risk
Medium Risk
High Risk
Pet BehaviorCowers in presence of clientHappier when hospitalizedAbnormal response to everyday
activity
Client ProfileNew client or existing client
with previous suspicious incidents
Seeks out new vet to avoid suspicions by other vet
High turnover of animals in the home, large number of animals
Risk AssessmentLow Risk
Medium Risk
High Risk
Veterinary ResponseRecord findings to future
incidents are dealt with appropriately
Provide client education on animal care
Refer to animal welfare and social services if indicated
Report animal abuse and family violence as mandated
Be Specific• Be very specific when recording information about
animal and environment• Water - how much, where, is it clean?• Shade - percentage of enclosure• Print out weather report from the day of
investigation in that zip code• Local climate information can be helpful• Measure enclosure and square feet per animal• Any information about food quality and air quality• Animal’s interest in environment
Keep Excellent Records
• Once the animal is in your care, you are obligated to document care that exceeds the situation the animal was removed from
• If it is not recorded, it did not happen• Record daily
– Food and water intake and eliminations– Notes on behavior and exercise– Every examination, test result, diagnosis, and
treatment• Weekly body weight
The expert witness
One who has by training and practice, acquired a good knowledge of the science or art concerning that on which his opinion is sought
Gives an opinion as to technical matters on behalf of his client
Is not an advocate and will not allow lawyers to influence the substance of his evidence
Only agree to be an expert if:
The case is within your personal experience, knowledge and competence
The evidence you provide will assist your client
THE TRUTH IS YOUR BOSS!
The expert witness
Avoid Pitfalls
1. Use objective scales of measurement when possible
2. Some Dog Catchers don’t know Latin2. Your field notes may be public3. Include all facts; odor, color, and texture4. Your opinion should be reported but
separately from fact5. Have someone proof your report6. Leave room for new evidence7. Be aware of breeds with low body fat (BCS)8. Take enough time to observe carefully9. Avoid jumping to conclusions
Avoid Pitfalls
1. What color is the man’s shirt?
Avoid Pitfalls
1. Was this dog likely abused?
What to Expect: Testifying
Yes or no when that is bestElaborate only when you need to in order to
communicate clearlyMay I refer to my notes?
You are not expected to remember everythingCan you ask that another way? May I address the court? Discrediting you may be an agenda item
Key Points
Animal abuse is closely associated with human violence, including domestic violence, spousal, child and elder abuse.
It can also be a strong predictor of subsequent criminal and violent behavior in adolescents.
Veterinarians have an important role to play in keeping animals and humans safe from violence. To this end, relationships should be established with other agencies for cross reporting, training, and provision of services.
Key Points
Animal cruelty is defined by statute, not by the veterinarian.
Although animal cruelty as defined by statute is a crime in every state, many animal abuse cases are still not taken seriously or investigated by law enforcement.
However, veterinarians should take a leadership role in educating clients and society in general about responsible animal care and to take animal abuse seriously.
Key Points
AAHA - "While some states and provinces do not require veterinarians to report animal abuse, the association supports the adoption of laws requiring, under certain circumstances, veterinarians to report suspected cases of animal abuse. In order to encourage veterinarians and practice team members to be responsible leaders in their communities and to assist in the detection…”
Key Points
AAHA – “..and reporting of animal abuse, the profession should educate its members to recognize, document and report animal abuse, develop forensic models, promote legislation concerning reporting by veterinarians and collaborate with other animal and human welfare groups and professionals within communities to eliminate the incidence of animal abuse."
• AVMA - Practical Guidance for the Effective Response by Veterinarians to Suspected Animal Cruelty, Abuse and Neglect (2011)
• Lila Miller - The Veterinarian's Role in Handling Animal Abuse Cases : Summary of Guidelines for Managing and Reporting Animal Abuse Cases– Risk assessment for low, medium and high risk abuse cases, by looking at
clinical history, client behavior, pet behavior and client profile. Provides a suggested veterinary response.
• Lila Miller - Dog Fighting FAQs• Lila Miller - CSI and Examining the Victim
Handouts
Exam Aids• DiGangi – Cat Coat Color Guide• HSUS – How to Determine Sex of Cats• HomeAgain – Microchip Codes• Griffin – Microchip Scanning Technique
Handouts
Articles• Cruelty to Animals: Changing Psychological, Social,
and Legislative Perspectives (2001)• Long Term Outcomes in Animal Hoarding Cases
(2005)• APRI (American Prosecutor's Research Institute) -
Animal Cruelty Prosecution Opportunities for Early Response to Crime and Interpersonal Violence (2006)
• Refeeding Syndrome
Handouts